The 6 Greatest Locations To Journey In 2026, In accordance To A Journey Advisor

The Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko, Japan. It’s one among six beneficial locations for 2026.

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When it involves the most effective locations to journey, 2026 is much less about opulence and extra about originality — locations that mix tradition, magnificence, and authenticity. That’s in response to an unique new record of trending locations by luxurious journey specialists at OvationCommunity.

“The desire for meaningful travel has never been stronger,” says Zane Bohrer, vp of OvationNetwork. “As we sit up for 2026, our luxurious journey advisors are seeing exceptional curiosity in locations that stability discovery with distinction.”

Bohrer says shoppers are gravitating towards locations like Nikko and Versailles, which supply wealthy cultural and historic experiences simply steps away from metropolis life. Others are venturing far off the overwhelmed path to Antarctica or the wild coasts of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Exotic locales corresponding to Kona, Hawaii, and Marrakech, Morocco, additionally rank extremely on the record for his or her mixture of authenticity, sophistication, and immersive experiences.

OvationCommunity shared its unique record with Forbes. Here are the six greatest locations to journey in 2026.

A shinto priest sweeps underneath the Yomeimon gate at Tosho-gu Shrine in Nikko, Japan.

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1. Nikko, Japan

Why go to? A number of hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a tranquil mountain retreat recognized for its sacred forests, waterfalls, temples, and scorching springs. This UNESCO World Heritage space embodies Japan’s stability of spirituality and pure magnificence, revealing the nation’s quieter, extra contemplative facet. The historical pilgrimage routes as soon as traveled by monks and samurai invite a slower exploration, wealthy with Edo-period structure and seasonal splendor. “The area transforms with each season and especially stands out in the fall with its vibrant foliage,” says Ashley Diamond, a travel advisor with OvationCommunity.

Who ought to go? Ideal for tradition seekers, religious explorers, and nature lovers in search of genuine experiences off the vacationer path.

Don’t miss: Visit the ornate Toshogu Shrine, a masterpiece of Edo-era craftsmanship adorned with gold leaf and complex carvings. It’s the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first shogun—and in contrast to some other shrine in Japan due to its ornate element and historical past.

The south coast of Kona, Hawaii.

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2. Kona, Hawaii

Why go to? “Hawaii is having a spotlight moment,” says Andrew Steinberg, an OvationCommunity travel advisor. On Hawaii’s Big Island, Kona captures each the timeless attract and renewed power that make the islands irresistible. With its cinematic seashores, volcanic terrain, and pristine waters, this shoreline presents countless alternatives — from dawn paddles and manta ray evening dives to ziplining and deep-sea fishing. Post–“White Lotus,” Kona has develop into an emblem of recent Hawaiian luxurious that is still deeply tied to its roots, providing each authenticity and indulgence towards a backdrop of 300 days of sunshine a 12 months.

Who ought to go? Everyone—from energetic households and journey seekers to {couples} and wellness vacationers who crave the complete Hawaiian expertise.

Don’t miss: Begin with a dawn swim, pattern contemporary poke at Da Poke Shack, and end with a moonlit manta ray snorkel.

The Versailles palace outdoors Paris.

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3. Versailles, France

Why go to? Just 25 minutes from central Paris, Versailles is greater than its stately palace—it’s a vacation spot the place royal historical past meets fashionable attraction. Spending an evening or two right here transforms the expertise, permitting vacationers to discover past the well-known Hall of Mirrors. The city itself is lined with vintage markets, cafés, gardens, and biking paths that provide a glimpse of French life away from the crowds. “Exploring Versailles is a real treasure,” says Jill Levy, a travel advisor with OvationCommunity.

Who ought to go? Francophiles, historical past lovers, and people searching for to decelerate, savor French delicacies, and immerse themselves in a chic countryside retreat.

Don’t miss: A keep at Airelles Château de Versailles, a 14-room luxurious resort with non-public entry to the palace gardens. Guests can e book unique after-hours excursions of the King’s or Queen’s Apartments—hardly ever open to the general public—for an unforgettable second of serenity within the Hall of Mirrors.

Playa Conchal, a tree-lined seaside well-known for its particular sand shaped by tiny white and coloured shells, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

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4. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Why go to? Guanacaste embodies Costa Rica’s “pura vida” philosophy, the place journey and rest coexist effortlessly. This area pairs surf cities and yoga enclaves with luxurious eco-resorts and volcanic landscapes. Whether ziplining by means of tropical canopies, chasing waterfalls, or recognizing howler monkeys at sundown, it’s an journey drenched in sunshine and pure surprise. New sustainable luxurious retreats corresponding to Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are redefining barefoot luxurious in concord with the setting. “Costa Rica is a destination that feels both adventurous and soulful,” says Sylvia Lebovitch, an OvationCommunity travel advisor.

Who ought to go? Active adventurers, surfers, yogis, and eco-conscious vacationers who worth wellness for each individuals and the planet.

Don’t miss: Sail alongside the Pacific coast on a sundown catamaran from Tamarindo, and immerse your self within the area’s easygoing rhythm—the “pura vida” life-style that defines Costa Rica.

An iceberg floats in Andord Bay on Graham Land, Antarctic.

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5. Antarctica

Why go to? No vacation spot on Earth compares to the uncooked, untouched grandeur of Antarctica. Vast glaciers, blue icebergs, and colonies of penguins create a panorama that feels nearly extraterrestrial. Here, wildlife reigns supreme—penguins, whales, and seals wander freely, largely unbothered by human presence. Each step on the icy terrain unveils an unlimited sense of perspective and awe. “Nothing compares to the otherworldly feeling of those first footsteps onto Antarctica,” says Andrew Harrison, a travel advisor with OvationCommunity.

Who ought to go? Bucket-list vacationers and adventurers searching for a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into Earth’s final true wilderness. It’s splendid for individuals who crave remoteness, majesty, and a whole disconnection from the fashionable world.

Don’t miss: The voyage throughout the Drake Passage, a legendary journey of endurance and surprise. For vacationers preferring a smoother path, flights to King George Island provide a direct path to the continent with out the “Drake Shake” — the huge waves that generally depart passengers hopelessly seasick. Ovation Network’s advisors word that expedition cruises are more and more emphasizing low-impact journey, serving to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.

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6. Marrakech, Morocco

Why go to? Marrakech, often called the Red City, continues to captivate with its fusion of Old World magnificence and modern creativity. From intricate riads, or conventional houses, to avant-garde galleries, it’s a metropolis that lives and breathes artistry. Wander by means of the energetic markets, unwind in a hammam, or lose your self within the perfume of orange blossoms contained in the Jardin Majorelle. Marrakech invitations vacationers to interact with its rhythm—a sensory tapestry woven from Arab, Berber, and French influences. “Marrakech is a city that awakens the senses,” says Eli Vinitsky, a travel advisor with OvationCommunity.

Who ought to go? Design lovers, cultural explorers, foodies, and vacationers who search immersive, mental, and sensory adventures.

Don’t miss: Evenings in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the place avenue performers, storytellers, and scorching tagines flip the sq. into an open-air theater. Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum for design inspiration, then escape to a riad courtyard for mint tea underneath the celebs.

OvationCommunity’s record displays a refined change in luxurious journey. It’s now not about chasing status, however about pursuing presence. From the temples of Nikko to the markets of Marrakech, vacationers are looking for connection — to position, to individuals, and to objective. Whether it’s the stillness of Antarctica or the heat of Guanacaste, the most effective journeys subsequent 12 months would be the ones that make you’re feeling extra grounded in a fast-moving world.